New strike action on Merseyrail over role of Guards

18 August 2017

RMT Press Office

RMT confirms new phase of strike action on Merseyrail in fight to retain safety-critical Guards

A FURTHER PHASE OF STRIKE ACTION BY MEMBERS OF RAIL UNION RMT will go ahead on Merseyrail early next month following the continued point-blank refusal by the company to make any progress whatsoever over the crucial issue at the heart of the on-going dispute - the future of the safety critical role of the guard.

Drivers and guards will take action as follows:

Members will strike between 0001 hours and 2359 hours on Friday 1st September and from 0001 hours on Sunday 3rd September until 2359 hours Monday 4th September.

The union said that it was angry and frustrated that Merseyrail continues to turn down a union proposal to set up a “safety working group”, alongside outside safety bodies and the train manufacturer Stadler, on the principle that a second safety-critical person would be retained on all services. The company has refused all efforts by the union to get a serious and meaningful talks process back underway.

RMT’s executive has paid tribute to the Merseyrail members for their rock solid action throughout the on-going dispute and who the highly effective picketing operation on those strike days with has attracted fantastic levels of public support.

RMT General secretary Mick Cash said:

“It is disgraceful that Merseyrail continue to refuse all reasonable attempts by the union to settle this dispute . Merseyrail have repeatedly kicked all conciliatory approaches by RMT negotiators back in our faces and made it crystal clear that all that they are interested in is the union signing a surrender document which gives them a free hand to rip apart the safety culture on the railway.

“It is that cynical and hostile stance from Merseyrail which has left us with no option but press ahead with a further three days of strike action. RMT recognises the severe impact that the action will have but we are dealing with an employer that refuses to listen or engage with the union on the critical issue of safe rail operation and we ask the public to understand that we have no option but to take this high-profile action to force the company back to the negotiating table.

"RMT is calling for genuine talks to take place around a safe and sustainable deal that protects the future safety across Merseyrail services .The company should take up that offer of further talks as a matter of urgency.

“Merseyrail are completely ignoring the clear wishes of their own passengers, who overwhelmingly oppose the idea of Driver Only Operated trains on their network. That pig-headed attitude has forced the union’s hand and the idea that we would compromise on the fundamental issue of rail safety is absurd. The ball remains firmly in Merseyrail’s court.”